Nigel Adkins has hinted he will keep faith with Markus Henriksen in the heart of Hull City’s midfield for tomorrow’s visit of Norwich after the Norwegian international made his return from injury this week.

Henriksen had been sidelined since late January because of an ankle ligament injury but was ushered straight back into Adkins’ side for the 2-1 defeat at home to Millwall on Tuesday.

Both Kevin Stewart and David Meyler were overlooked against the Lions, while Jackson Irvine was also pushed further forward to accommodate Henriksen alongside Seb Larsson in City’s midfield.

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Few emerged from midweek with any credit ahead of welcoming Norwich to the KCOM Stadium but Adkins has reiterated his liking for a player that has struggled to win over supporters since first arriving from AZ Alkmaar in August 2016.

“Markus is a good player and he played in three practice games (before Millwall),” said Adkins. “He’s an international and I’ve got belief in him.

!He can control and pass the football. You look at the physicality and height that Millwall possessed, we knew set-plays were going to be a challenge but we also want to be able to control and pass the football and Markus has got the capability to do that.

Markus Henriksen of Hull City (Image: Focus)

“He’s a player who I’ve got belief in and I want to play him.”

Changes nevertheless feel inevitable after Tuesday’s shuddering setback. Both Angus MacDonald and Kamil Grosicki appear most vulnerable as Adkins searches for a response from his side after the pair were both hauled off on Tuesday night after ineffective contributions.

“It’s a totally different game,” said Adkins. “Norwich will play a different way and I’ve got to get the mentality right going into the game.

“Consistently we’ve produced good performances and we’ve had results. We’ve got to make sure that the next one is a better performance and put us in a position for a better result.”